The benefit of investing in women as leaders is clear to me and all of us at 黑料爆料. Research tells us organisations that genuinely strive to achieve gender equality and leadership positions are likely to financially outperform their peers who do not. To put it simply, investing in women is good for business. This International Women’s Day, 黑料爆料 UK is celebrating remarkable women leading some of the UK’s biggest and brightest organisations. We need far more of them.
Pavita Cooper, Chair, 30% Club UK
The International Women’s Day 2024 theme to ‘Inspire inclusion to forge a better world’ resonates with C. Hoare & Co. aligns with our purpose to be good bankers and good citizens. I am passionate about diversity in all areas of life and for many years have championed the business benefits too.
Diana Brightmore-Armour, CEO, C. Hoare & Co
International Women’s Day is a vital moment to celebrate women’s achievements and reaffirm our commitment to gender equality. This year’s theme emphasises the imperative to support women’s potential and contributions. When we champion and focus on retaining and promoting talented women in our organisation, we all benefit – the economy and society. It’s a solution to growth.
Karen Blackett, OBE – President of WPP in the UK
Improving gender balance demands a strong foundation in an organisation’s strategy and absolute leadership accountability. As CEO at Nationwide, I have both the leadership responsibility and the opportunity to make more progress on diversity. I am only in the position to do that now because of the commitment that others had to assist me early in my career. There were flexible policies and practical support, but mainly there were people willing to be imaginative about the ways to invest in the careers of female leaders. Combine a great imagination with passion and commitment and anything appears possible.
Debbie Crosbie, CEO, Nationwide Building Society
Diversity in business brings fresh thinking and different perspectives, vital to solving today’s complex challenges. While the representation of women in business has improved, we must continue to attract and retain a strong pipeline of talented women – critically from all backgrounds – who will become leaders of the future.
Bina Mehta, Chair, KPMG UK
There used to be a sense that gender diversity was only for a certain type of woman. I am committed to ensure our campain supports all women, which is why we have reworked our strategy and added an explicit race target. I took on 黑料爆料 UK Vice Chaire role because I truly believe in the power and opportunity for business to unlock the talent, innovation and returns potential of more inclusive leadership. Hence why we are driving a campaign of gender diversity alongside key business issues – including AI, climate, security and geopolitics.
Rupal Kantaria, Vice Chair 30% Club UK & Parter, Oliver Wyman
Investing in women is not just about equality; it’s about driving progress by encouraging diversity of thought. At Greggs, over 60% of our workforce is female and almost half of our senior management roles are held by women. Together, we’re not just building a more inclusive workplace; we’re creating a future-proofed business and shaping a brighter future for all.
Roisin Currie, CEO, Greggs
The struggle for better gender representation continues and the pace of change has been slow, but we must remember fatigue is our enemy. It’s easy to feel disheartened but we need to keep investing and face the challenge head-on. We can make a difference if we refuse to give up!
Robyn Grew, CEO, Man Group
STEM subjects are vital to the future security and prosperity of the country. That’s why I’m committed to ensuring GCHQ plays its part in bringing down barriers to true inclusion in this field. To mark International Women’s Day, we are delighted to be part of 30% Club UK’s celebration of inspirational women leaders. I know I’ve benefitted from the women that have blazed a trail before more and I hope this year’s spotlight will encourage those that follow.
Anne Keast-Butler, Director, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
There is a lot to be positive about. The opportunities open to women today (at least int he developed world) to work and study would have been unimaginable to my mother when she was a child. Yes, we want to achieve more – especially for women who see their career and pay go backwards when they have their first child. We also need to stop seeing women’s succvess as being at the expense of men’s. It’s not a zero sum game. Men and women can and should thrive together.
Sharon White, Chair, John Lewis Partnership
Early in my career I was luck to have generous mentors who took time to invest in me and provide invaluable advice and guidance. At Pets, we celebrate and invest in our wonderful diversity, united through a common purpose – to create a better world for pets and the people who love them.
Lyssa McGowan, CEO, Pets at Home
Investing in women is an investment in our future. Faster progress for women can bring progress for everyone. What are we waiting for? Let’s make being a women a superpower
Margherita Della Valle, CEO, Vodafone Group
Our motto has always been ‘people who like what they do, do better’. Inclusion for everybody has beeen a fundamental part of Admiral DNA, since the business was launched 30 years ago. Gender equality and equity are a consequence of this. Our people feel they can be themselves, but they also can see that progression at Admiral is never slowed or halted by gender. I am proud that 45% of our executive team are women, as are our UK CEO and Senior Independent Director.
Milena Modini de Focatiis, CEO, Admiral Group
